Emerging Africa Graduates 12 from Executive Leadership Programme

Kayode Tokede

In a move to further boost the capacity building of mid-level and senior-level executives and entrepreneurs, a total of 12 participants have graduated from the Emerging Africa Executive Leadership Program (ELP).

The 12 participants in the 2023 winter and fall cohorts during last weekend graduated from the capacity-building in the presence of top executives at Emerging Africa and faculty of the programme in Lagos.

In her charge to the graduates, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice Chairman, Emerging Africa Group, Dr. Toyin Sanni, commended them for showing commitment towards enrolling for the ELP.

She, however, gave them seven-point charges, maintaining that the 12 participants were appreciated for their services and dedication.

According to her, “Point number one, welcome to the Emerging Africa capacity building alumina. A group of over 50 C-suite executives who have since met on this programme go on to become founders, chief executive officers, to raise capital to access financing and to become friends and collaborators.  Point number two, I can assure you that billions of naira deals can be done by those who meet in this programme.

“Point number three, keep it up in terms of commitment to learning and continuous improvement because the day we stop learning and improving is the day we start depreciating in value. I am committed to a lifetime of continuous learning and improvement, and I invite you to join me.

“Point number four, use them as this programme is as useful as what you retain and put them to use. There is a learning pyramid and it applies to everything that you have learned in this programme as well.

“Also, own it! Own your personnel developments. Even if you’re sponsored for this programme, make up your mind about the subsequent programmes that you will attend irrespective of sponsorship. Point number six, be holistic about your own round person, work, life, and of course personal development.

“Finally, let this be the end of all excuses you gave yourself before now for failing to shine.

“Go forward and keep learning and give your best and in all. I hope and pray that you find your motivation and the desire to win through this programme.”

Earlier, the Executive Director, Emerging Africa Capacity Building, Mr. Funmbi Akinluyi, in his opening remarks, stated that the participants’ one-on-one meeting and group have contributed positively to their career growth and trajectory.

Also, one of the faculty and special guests, the Managing Director, Emerging Africa Asset Management Limited (EAAML), Ada Ijan, disclosed that she was a participant in 2021 and it has been a life-changing programme.

“The things I learned through the course at ELP have helped me in life. The entire programme has given me the courage. So, I honestly recommend any ELP programme,”  Ijan said.